Elections 2019

Opinion

MPs Split Over Qaisari’s Arrest, But Want Answers

Some MPs have accused government of fueling the tension in the northern parts of the country, following Qaisari’s arrest.

Lawmakers in Afghanistan’s Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament) on Wednesday sought an explanation from the Afghan government about the reasons for the arrest and continued detention of Nizamuddin Qaisari, the former police chief of Qaisar district and close aide to exiled First Vice President General Abdul Rashid Dostum.

In response to government’s crackdown against Qaisari, some lawmakers argued that the move by the Presidential Palace (ARG), to arrest Qaisari, was aimed at fueling tension in the northern and northeastern regions of Afghanistan.

Dostum, who hails from northern Jawzjan province, has a strong supporter base in that region.

But the Presidential Palace has hit back over the allegations, saying there is no truth in these allegations.

In turn, parliament is now planning to send a delegation to Faryab to probe the issue.

“Weapons had been distributed to Qaisari by the same government, therefore the house wants to send a delegation to the area to find out what really happened there regarding Mr Qaisari’s issue,” said one MP Humayoun Humayoun.

Another MP Obaidullah Barakzai meanwhile said: “I request the people to not support lawbreakers in the name of clan or tribe.”

But some opposing MPs have welcomed government’s move and said it was time local lawbreakers were reined in.

“We call on the president to bring changes to his policies, we have said in the past that you (Ghani) are a genius, but you destroyed the entire country,” MP from Nangarhar Zahir Qadeer said.

Qaisari’s Arrest

Nizamuddin Qaisari was arrested by Afghan National Army Special Forces last week in Faryab after being accused of insulting and threatening government officials.

Immediately after his arrest, Qaisari was flown to Kabul where he is being detained.

Qaisari’s arrest provoked widespread anger in Faryab on Tuesday as hundreds of angry protesters took to the streets of Maimana to demand his release.

Their numbers swelled by Wednesday, and more than a week later, protests continue, having also spread to other provinces in the region.

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Lawmakers in Afghanistan’s Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament) on Wednesday sought an explanation from the Afghan government about the reasons for the arrest and continued detention of Nizamuddin Qaisari, the former police chief of Qaisar district and close aide to exiled First Vice President General Abdul Rashid Dostum.

In response to government’s crackdown against Qaisari, some lawmakers argued that the move by the Presidential Palace (ARG), to arrest Qaisari, was aimed at fueling tension in the northern and northeastern regions of Afghanistan.

Dostum, who hails from northern Jawzjan province, has a strong supporter base in that region.

But the Presidential Palace has hit back over the allegations, saying there is no truth in these allegations.

In turn, parliament is now planning to send a delegation to Faryab to probe the issue.

“Weapons had been distributed to Qaisari by the same government, therefore the house wants to send a delegation to the area to find out what really happened there regarding Mr Qaisari’s issue,” said one MP Humayoun Humayoun.

Another MP Obaidullah Barakzai meanwhile said: “I request the people to not support lawbreakers in the name of clan or tribe.”

But some opposing MPs have welcomed government’s move and said it was time local lawbreakers were reined in.

“We call on the president to bring changes to his policies, we have said in the past that you (Ghani) are a genius, but you destroyed the entire country,” MP from Nangarhar Zahir Qadeer said.

Qaisari’s Arrest

Nizamuddin Qaisari was arrested by Afghan National Army Special Forces last week in Faryab after being accused of insulting and threatening government officials.

Immediately after his arrest, Qaisari was flown to Kabul where he is being detained.

Qaisari’s arrest provoked widespread anger in Faryab on Tuesday as hundreds of angry protesters took to the streets of Maimana to demand his release.

Their numbers swelled by Wednesday, and more than a week later, protests continue, having also spread to other provinces in the region.